febrero 2021 – Página 154

Toyota Racing estrena «The Dream»

Toyota invita a todas las personas a perseguir sus sueños, sin importar qué tan grande sea el reto

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida, 16 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Junto a la inauguración de uno de los días más importantes en la temporada NASCAR, la carrera número 63 de las 500 millas de Daytona, Toyota se tomó un momento para invitar a la juventud estadounidense a descubrir su sueño, y perseguirlo.

…

Toyota invita a todas las personas a perseguir sus sueños, sin importar qué tan grande sea el reto

El día de ayer, Toyota Racing lanzó un cortometraje titulado «The Dream». Este cuenta la historia de una joven afroamericana que busca alcanzar su sueño de convertirse en piloto de carreras automovilísticas. Ella lucha contra las adversidades y supera los retos que se presentan en el camino. Inspirado en la histórica victoria de la joven Gracie Trotter de 19 años, quien en septiembre se convirtió en la primera piloto femenina en ganar una carrera ARCA, y por el retorno de Bubba Wallace a la familia Toyota, nuestra estrella descubre que su sueño sí es posible.

«Retornar esta temporada con Toyota y formar parte de la familia Toyota Racing significa mucho para mí», expresó Bubba Wallace, piloto del DoorDash Toyota Camry no. 23 para 23XI Racing. «Lo que hacen en la pista es de primer nivel, e incluso llega más allá de la pista. Es realmente divertido formar parte de cosas como «The Dream» y de las iniciativas por fuera de la pista que van de la mano con mis creencias y con la forma como quiero influenciar a la siguiente generación. ‘The Dream’ le enseña a las personas, sin importar las circunstancias o quiénes sean, a dar la pelea y seguir sus sueños. Puede que no siempre vaya a ser fácil, pero habrá valido la pena. Es un trabajo muy especial. Es inspirador y emotivo, y me siento orgulloso de formar parte de esto».

Toyota tiene una larga historia de diversidad en los deportes a motor, y continúa apoyando a varios pilotos de diferentes orígenes étnicos en todas nuestras plataformas de carreras de autos. J.R. Todd, Antron Brown y Alexis DeJoria han marcado muchos hitos en los deportes a motor compitiendo para Toyota en la Serie NHRA Drag Racing. Jhonnattan Castro y Ken Gushi compiten en la Fórmula DRIFT, mientras que Trotter y Kaylee Bryson avanzan en las clasificaciones TRD (Toyota Racing Development) de pilotos en los eventos de carreras ARCA, últimos modelos y USAC.

«El compromiso de Toyota con la diversidad en los deportes a motor está alineado con nuestro compromiso corporativo general de respeto por las personas», afirmó Paul Doleshal, gerente del grupo de deportes a motor y activos de Toyota Motor North America. «Este cortometraje es algo de lo que todos estamos muy orgullosos, y es un pequeño recordatorio para todas las personas de que descubran sus sueños y los persigan, sin importar los retos que puedan cruzarse en el camino. Seguiremos buscando formas de darle vida a este cortometraje y de ayudar a animar a los jóvenes para que vayan tras sus pasiones, en especial si eso los conduce a este maravilloso mundo de los deportes a motor».

Todo el cortometraje fue producido en colaboración con Whatnot Films de Charlotte, Carolina del Norte, y estará alojado en las redes sociales Twitter, Facebook y YouTube de Toyota Racing. Durante la transmisión de las 500 millas de Daytona por Fox se presentó una versión especial resumida de 60 segundos.

El cortometraje completo está disponible en este enlace: https://youtu.be/wI_QIPRkBBs

Acerca de Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) ha sido parte del tejido cultural de los Estados Unidos durante más de 60 años y está comprometida con el desarrollo de la movilidad sostenible de última generación a través de sus marcas Toyota y Lexus, además de sus casi 1,500 concesionarios.

Toyota ha creado una enorme cadena de valor y emplea directamente a más de 36,000 personas en los Estados Unidos. La compañía ha contribuido con el diseño, la ingeniería y el ensamblaje de clase mundial de más de 30 millones de automóviles y camiones en sus 9 plantas de fabricación, que para 2021 serán 10, una vez entre en operación su empresa conjunta de producción en Alabama.

Para ayudar a inspirar a la próxima generación a seguir una carrera en campos basados en STEM, incluido el de la movilidad, Toyota lanzó su centro de educación virtual en www.TourToyota.com que ofrece una experiencia de inmersión y la oportunidad de visitar muchas de sus instalaciones de fabricación en los Estados Unidos. Este centro también incluye una serie de lecciones y planes de estudio gratuitos basados en STEM a través de los socios de la Fundación Toyota de los Estados Unidos, de excursiones virtuales y mucho más. Para obtener más información acerca de Toyota, visite www.toyotanewsroom.com .

Contactos para los medios:
Sam Mahoney
980-900-8573
samuel.mahoney@toyota.com

Lisa Hughes Kennedy, Golin para Toyota Racing
704-902-6476
lhugheskennedy@golin.com

Cody Poor, Golin para Toyota Racing
323-578-7159
cpoor@golin.com

Fotografía: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438484/Toyota_Racing_The_Dream.jpg

FUENTE Toyota Racing

Toyota Racing estrena «The Dream»

Toyota invita a todas las personas a perseguir sus sueños, sin importar qué tan grande sea el reto

…

Toyota invita a todas las personas a perseguir sus sueños, sin importar qué tan grande sea el reto

El cortometraje completo está disponible en este enlace: https://youtu.be/wI_QIPRkBBs

Contactos para los medios:
Sam Mahoney
980-900-8573
samuel.mahoney@toyota.com

Lisa Hughes Kennedy, Golin para Toyota Racing
704-902-6476
lhugheskennedy@golin.com

Cody Poor, Golin para Toyota Racing
323-578-7159
cpoor@golin.com

Fotografía: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438484/Toyota_Racing_The_Dream.jpg

FUENTE Toyota Racing

Toyota Racing estrena «The Dream»

Toyota invita a todas las personas a perseguir sus sueños, sin importar qué tan grande sea el reto

…

Toyota invita a todas las personas a perseguir sus sueños, sin importar qué tan grande sea el reto

El cortometraje completo está disponible en este enlace: https://youtu.be/wI_QIPRkBBs

Contactos para los medios:
Sam Mahoney
980-900-8573
samuel.mahoney@toyota.com

Lisa Hughes Kennedy, Golin para Toyota Racing
704-902-6476
lhugheskennedy@golin.com

Cody Poor, Golin para Toyota Racing
323-578-7159
cpoor@golin.com

Fotografía: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438484/Toyota_Racing_The_Dream.jpg

FUENTE Toyota Racing

Industry Powerhouses Launch New U.S. Latino Podcast Company–Pitaya Entertainment

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Five powerhouse executives from the entertainment, podcasting, and advertising industries have joined forces to create Pitaya Entertainment, a new company dedicated to producing podcasts for U.S. Latinos. Pitaya Entertainment launches with six podcast series featuring some of the most popular Latino personalities in entertainment–including television stars, award-winning comedians, and major YouTube influencers–with a combined social media following of more than 27.5 million. All six series were released in the last two weeks, all debuting on the Apple Podcast charts, with two becoming the #1 and #2 most popular Spanish-language podcasts on Apple’s Top 200 podcasts chart in the U.S.

«While podcasts are exploding in popularity in the U.S., the Latino podcast audience is underserved and underdeveloped, and Latino voices are seriously underrepresented in podcasting. Pitaya Entertainment aims to change that by bringing podcasts to the forefront of the Latino community,» said Zach Horowitz, Managing Partner and Co-Founder.

All of Pitaya Entertainment’s initial podcasts will be weekly series using an unscripted talk show format and hosted by well-known Latino personalities with a large and devoted fan base, both in traditional media and online.

Most of the series will be in Spanish, with some in English or Spanglish, but all are for and about Latinos. All will be free to listeners and available worldwide on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, and Pitaya Entertainment’s website, pitaya.fm.

Pitaya Entertainment’s podcast hosts are as diverse as the U.S. Latino community itself, with the debuting series featuring Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban-Americans, and Venezuelan-Americans. What all the hosts have in common is a deep and powerful connection with their fans.

The six initial series are:

Giselle Blondet, the beloved Puerto Rican actress and T.V. host, and her daughter, Gabriella Pabón, a recent mother herself, co-host ¡Ay, Mamá!, a candid and heartfelt Spanish-language podcast series about the joys and challenges of motherhood. A star for over 30 years, Giselle’s popularity spans generations. ¡Ay, Mama! debuted at #3 on Apple Podcasts’ U.S. Parenting chart and as the highest-ranked podcast in Spanish on that list. (https://www.pitaya.fm/ay-mama)

José Eduardo Derbez hosts El Pedcast, a Spanish-language comedy series featuring humorous interviews with colorful guests. José Eduardo, son of actor/comedian Eugenio Derbez and telenovela star Victoria Ruffo, has appeared in numerous films and T.V. shows, including the Amazon Prime hit reality series De Viaje con los Derbez and Unicable’s Terapia de Shock. El Pedast debuted at #32 on the Apple Podcasts U.S. Comedy Interviews chart and at #27 on Apple’s top 100 most popular podcasts charts in Mexico. (https://www.pitaya.fm/el-pedcast)

Alejandra Espinoza, actress, model and T.V. host, and her sister Damaris Jimenez, a life coach, co-host Entre Hermanas, a Spanish language podcast series centered on self-improvement and female empowerment. The sisters draw upon their journeys, chronicling their paths to becoming inspirational role models. Entre Hermanas debuted as the second most popular Spanish language podcast in the U.S. on Apple’s Top 200 podcasts chart and the sixth most popular podcast in any language on Apple’s U.S. Education chart. (https://www.pitaya.fm/entre-hermanas)

Ana Patricia Gámez hosts Ana Patricia Sin Filtro, a revealing Spanish-language podcast series about the lessons learned during a remarkable life as a first-generation Mexican immigrant, beauty queen, T.V. star, businesswoman, wife, and mother. In its first week, the show debuted as the highest-ranked Spanish language podcast in the U.S. on Apple’s Top 200 podcasts chart and the #5 most popular podcast in any language on Apple’s U.S. Education chart. (https://www.pitaya.fm/sinfiltro)

Jomari Goyso, the renowned beauty and fashion expert and co-star of the popular T.V. show Sal y Pimienta, hosts Sin Rodeo, a Spanish language podcast of free-ranging conversations with celebrities, friends, and lifestyle experts. Every week, Jomari and his guests will motivate listeners to think outside the box and see life differently. Sin Rodeo debuted at #1 on the Apple Podcasts U.S. Entertainment News chart. (https://www.pitaya.fm/sinrodeo)

Joanna Hausmann, a Venezuelan-American, and Jenny Lorenzo, a Cuban-American, co-host the English language series Hyphenated, exploring what it means to live in the «hyphen» that connects American and Latino culture. The award-winning Latina millennial comedians are known for their humorous videos inspired by their Latino heritage. Hyphenated debuted at #46 on the highly competitive Apple Podcasts U.S. Comedy chart and was the highest-ranked podcast about Latinos and the Latino experience on that list. (https://www.pitaya.fm/hyphenated-1)

«Latinos want programming that speaks to their interests and authentically connects in-culture. Our podcasts give them just that—culturally relevant and popular hosts whose passionate fans will now be able to engage with them weekly through our shows,» said Diana Mejia-Jones, Co-Founder & Partner.

Pitaya Entertainment’s five principals are a virtual dream team with over 100 years of high-level experience in successfully developing and promoting talent and programming in the entertainment and podcasting industries, with a special focus on Latino entertainment.

Zach Horowitz is the former long-time President & Chief Operating Officer of Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music entertainment company. He started the U.S. Latin music division at Universal Music and championed its growth to become the industry market leader. He also co-wrote and co-produced the Latin Grammy-nominated Los Tigres del Norte at Folsom Prison, Netflix’s fourth most-watched documentary in Mexico in 2019. He is the Managing Partner of the company.

Guillermo Santiso is the former head of Fonovisa Records, one of the world’s leading Latin record companies. He developed such multi-platinum artists as Enrique Iglesias, Marco Antonio Solís, and Los Tigres del Norte. He is currently the Executive Vice President of Campanario Entertainment, the Latinx T.V. and digital content production company responsible for Netflix’s Selena: The Series.

Andy Bowers is a podcast pioneer who’s been called «the godfather of the podcasting industry» by the New York Times Magazine. He founded one of the first professional podcasting networks at Slate.com in 2005 and built it into a significant force. He then co-founded podcast industry giant Megaphone, which Spotify purchased in 2020. Bowers has created and developed dozens of successful podcasts and has overseen podcast partnerships with Malcolm Gladwell, The Wall Street Journal, Vox, Vanity Fair, Netflix, HBO, Politico, and Buzzfeed.

Diana Mejia-Jones is a top Latina marketing, advertising, and branded entertainment expert with almost 20 years in the field. She is currently the V.P. of Spanish Development and Integrated Marketing at Campanario Entertainment, where she develops and produces original T.V. series and films for the Latin market. She has secured tens of millions of dollars in brand marketing endorsements and licensing programs targeting U.S. Latinos.

Jordi Oliveres is an award-winning producer and media executive. He comes to Pitaya Entertainment from Univision Communications, where he developed digital video series at Fusion T.V., started the online music magazine TrackRecord, and negotiated important celebrity endorsement deals. He will serve as General Manager of the company.

«As a team, the principals of Pitaya Entertainment bring extraordinary insights into the Latin culture, unparalleled business and entrepreneurial skills, and a deep network of contacts in podcasting, entertainment, and advertising,» said Guillermo Santiso, Co-Founder & Partner.

Over 100 million people in the U.S. now listen to podcasts every month— double the number from five years earlier. U.S. podcast ad revenue has been consistently growing at double-digit rates, even in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. In 2021 U.S. ad revenue is expected to surpass $1 billion for the first time.

Latinos significantly lag in podcast awareness and consumption compared to the general market, with recent surveys finding that 55% have not yet tried a podcast and 39% have not yet heard of the term. This represents a fertile opportunity for growth.

Said Andy Bowers, Co-Founder & Partner, «The Latino podcast audience is a sleeping giant. The only things keeping it from awakening are a shortage of high-quality shows aimed at these listeners and a robust effort to raise awareness of the medium. Pitaya Entertainment intends to be a leader in both areas.»

Said Jordi Oliveres, Co-Founder & Partner, «U.S. Latinos represent over 18% of the U.S. population, with 1.7 trillion dollars in purchasing power. They are driving culture, entertainment, and commerce. Our podcasts will offer Latinos high-quality programs and provide marketers with fantastic opportunities to reach this important consumer group.»

Follow Pitaya on Social Media:
Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Website

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SOURCE Pitaya Entertainment

Subaru Of America Brings Home Commitment To Fighting Hunger With Local Vehicle Donation

CAMDEN, N.J., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that as part of its ongoing partnership with Feeding America^®, the automaker will loan eight vehicles to member food banks local to their Camden, NJ headquarters, <a…

«It has been our great honor to support communities struggling with hunger nationwide through our donation of 100 million meals* to Feeding America, and we are happy to help out in our own backyard by loaning vehicles that enable our local food banks to serve their communities,» said Thomas J. Doll, President and CEO, Subaru of America, Inc. «We hope these vehicles strengthen Food Bank of South Jersey and Philabundance as they strive to help those in our community who may face hunger during these difficult times.»

The vehicles will be used to aid FBSJ and Philabundance as they deliver meals to people in need in the communities that each food bank serves, including children and senior citizens facing hunger across multiple counties in South Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area. Each hunger-relief organization will be granted the use of four vehicles through the month of May.

«The resounding partnership of Subaru and Feeding America is a bold statement to their commitment in helping to alleviate our food insecure communities across the country. I am also humbled that Subaru is continuing their gracious support and partnership with the FBSJ serving our shared backyard within the South Jersey communities,» said Fred Wasiak, President and CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey. «Feeding America estimates that 61,000 additional South Jersey residents may struggle with hunger as a result of the pandemic, and left with no choice but to seek charitable food assistance, 26,000 are projected to be children. These Subaru vehicles will strengthen our capacity to meet the increased need for food in our community.»

The donation stems from the automaker’s continued support of Feeding America. Subaru donated 100 million meals to the organization this January, their second donation following a 50 million meal contribution in April 2020.

«The pandemic has caused food insecurity to skyrocket by up to 60 percent across Greater Philadelphia, with 40 percent of folks accessing the charitable food network for the first time,» explained Philabundance CEO Loree D. Jones. «Many partner agencies are trying to help our most vulnerable populations like seniors and children by offering home delivery, but don’t have access to cars. Thanks to Subaru, our partners at Mitchell Elementary School’s Murphy’s Market and Touch New Jersey will literally be able to drive hunger from our communities.»

The automaker’s donation is a part of the Subaru Loves to Help pillar, the community-focused pillar of the Subaru Love Promise. To learn more about Subaru Loves to Help and the community work Subaru does, visit subaru.com/help.

* $1 helps to provide at least ten meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local member food banks.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $190 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do. For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About The Food Bank of South Jersey
Marking its 36th year in 2021, the Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. FBSJ distributes food, provides nutrition education and cooking courses, and helps food-insecure families and seniors find sustainable ways to improve their lives. Providing community impact through local support, FBSJ ensures that local donations stay local. FBSJ is a member of Feeding America, our nation’s largest hunger-relief organization.

During 2020, with COVID-19 bringing school closures, stay-at-home orders, record-breaking unemployment and rising poverty, FBSJ distributed more than 22.5 million pounds of food – the equivalent of over 18.7 million meals – throughout four-county region of impact, increasing its partner agency network to over 210 and serving over 95,000 food-insecure South Jersey residents each month, including the distribution of nearly one million nutritious breakfasts and lunches food-insecure South Jersey children. To learn more, visit www.foodbanksj.org. On Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, follow the Food Bank of South Jersey @foodbankSJ.

About Philabundance:
Philabundance is a hunger relief organization serving Greater Philadelphia with a mission to drive hunger from our communities today and end hunger for good. From October 2019 through September 2020, it distributed more than 50 million pounds of food through a network of 350 partners including food pantries, houses of worship, community centers, hospitals and other service providers. Philabundance serves approximately 135,000 people each week – a number that continues to grow due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic – including children, seniors, college students, single parents and people who are working. Give now and learn more at Philabundance.org.

Diane Anton
Corporate Communications Manager
(856) 488-5093
danton@subaru.com

Nicholas Saraceni
Corporate Communications Specialist
(856) 488-3330
nsaraceni@subaru.com

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SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.

Industry Powerhouses Launch New U.S. Latino Podcast Company–Pitaya Entertainment

The six initial series are:

Follow Pitaya on Social Media:
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SOURCE Pitaya Entertainment

Industry Powerhouses Launch New U.S. Latino Podcast Company–Pitaya Entertainment

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Five powerhouse executives from the entertainment, podcasting, and advertising industries have joined forces to create Pitaya Entertainment, a new company dedicated to producing podcasts for U.S. Latinos. Pitaya Entertainment launches with six podcast series featuring some of the most popular Latino personalities in entertainment–including television stars, award-winning comedians, and major YouTube influencers–with a combined social media following of more than 27.5 million. All six series were released in the last two weeks, all debuting on the Apple Podcast charts, with two becoming the #1 and #2 most popular Spanish-language podcasts on Apple’s Top 200 podcasts chart in the U.S.

The six initial series are:

Follow Pitaya on Social Media:
Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Website

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/industry-powerhouses-launch-new-us-latino-podcast-companypitaya-entertainment-301229011.html

SOURCE Pitaya Entertainment

Illinois Residents Can Now Support Clean Energy and Enjoy Electric Bill Savings

CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Illinois residents and businesses within Commonwealth Edison’s service territory can now access affordable clean energy from four new community solar farms. Located in Whiteside County, these solar farms offer ComEd customers the opportunity to support clean energy and save substantially on their annual electricity costs. ComEd customers who enroll may save up to an estimated 20% on the supply portion of their monthly electric bill and receive a $100 enrollment bonus. The total capacity for these solar farms is 11.2 megawatts, enough electricity annually to power about 1,600 homes and small businesses.

Residents who enroll in community solar are allocated a portion of a solar farm based on their annual electricity usage. They receive credits for the electricity their solar panels produce on their utility bills, potentially offering helpful financial relief. Through a subscription-based model, community solar makes clean energy accessible to renters, apartment-dwellers and those who are unable to put solar panels on their roofs.

ENGIE North America, a global leader accelerating the transition toward a carbon neutral economy, is responsible for the development and construction of these solar farms. Solstice, a Boston-based community solar provider, supports ENGIE on these projects through customer acquisition, enrollment and management.

«We are pleased to develop community solar projects that empower Illinois residents to take part in the clean energy transition,» says Luis Felipe Birolini, Head of Distributed Renewables for ENGIE North America. «The projects demonstrate ENGIE North America’s belief that good business must also be good for the environment and communities. In conjunction with Solstice, our solar projects enable more Americans to save money while supporting the installation of clean, local energy – produced right here in Northern Illinois.»

«We are thrilled to be working with ENGIE North America to get Illinois residents access to affordable clean energy,» says Solstice Co-Founder and CEO Steph Speirs. «Most American households think of solar as outside their means, so our goal is to make solar so simple that anyone can do it. Many Americans could use financial relief right now, and we hope to help alleviate some of that economic burden by offering guaranteed energy savings for all ComEd customers.»

Located in Whiteside County, IL, these projects are built on land that has been supplemented with native prairie pollinator habitats. In addition to helping bees and local agriculture, these solar projects help create jobs with approximately 80 full-time workers involved in the development and construction of the solar farms. The projects also provide long-term economic support through operations and local taxes over their operating life.

ENGIE is an Approved Vendor and Solstice is an Approved Designee of the Illinois Shines Program, also known as the Adjustable Block Program or «ABP.» Illinois Shines is a state-administered program implemented by the Illinois Power Agency to promote new solar development and solar PV systems. These community solar farms produce local solar power, and Renewable Energy Credits, or «RECs», which are sold to the Illinois Shines program to help Illinois reach its renewable energy goals.

About Solstice
Solstice is a mission-driven organization dedicated to bringing affordable solar power to the 80% of Americans who cannot install a rooftop system. Solstice conducts comprehensive marketing campaigns to educate communities about community solar projects in their area, partnering with trusted local organizations to distribute community solar to their membership, conducting outreach efforts and managing the customer experience. For more information on Solstice, please visit http://www.solstice.us.

About ENGIE North America
ENGIE North America Inc. offers a range of capabilities in the United States and Canada to help customers decarbonize, decentralize and digitalize their operations. These include comprehensive services to help customers run their facilities more efficiently and optimize energy and other resource use and expense; clean power generation; energy storage; and retail energy supply that includes renewable, demand response, and on-bill financing options. Nearly 100% of the company’s power generation portfolio is low carbon or renewable. Globally, ENGIE S.A. relies on their key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to customers. With 170,000 employees, customers, partners and stakeholders, we are a community of Imaginative Builders, committed every day to more harmonious progress. For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit http://www.engie-na.com and http://www.engie.com.

Media Contact

Grace McMeekin, Solstice Power Technologies, +1 781.850.6569, grace@solstice.us

Sandrine Deparis, ENGIE North America, 202.855.3705, sandrine.deparis@engie.com

Twitter, Facebook

SOURCE Solstice Power Technologies

National Battery Retailer Demonstrates Unmatched Stability in 2020, Powers Up for Momentous Year Ahead

HARTLAND, Wis., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — At first glance, 2020 seems like it would be a difficult year for franchise brands to concentrate on growth, however, the nation’s largest and fastest growing battery, light bulb, key fob and repair franchise showed stability in the face of uncertainty. Throughout 2020, Batteries Plus signed 20 franchise agreements which will add 30 new locations to the system’s 700+ network of specialty retail stores. In addition, the brand already inked another nine new stores in January alone, proving itself a reliable and stable business opportunity for a growing list of entrepreneurs.

The agreements represent a healthy mix of single and multi-unit growth, with four current franchisees signing on to open six additional stores and 16 new franchisees who will be opening 24 stores. The new Batteries Plus franchises are slated to open in:

Arizona (Phoenix and Yuma)
California (El Centro, Lodi and Sacramento)
Colorado (Colorado Springs)
Florida (Melbourne, Orlando and Tallahassee)
Idaho (Boise)
Maryland (Bowie)
Minnesota (Forest Lake)
New Hampshire
New Jersey (Haddonfield)
New Mexico (Carlsbad)
Oregon (Oregon City)
Tennessee (Nashville)
Texas (Prosper)
Vermont (Burlington)
Wisconsin (Hales Corners)

The confidence these franchisees demonstrate by investing in Batteries Plus helps showcase the brand’s strength and durability during a particularly challenging year for business owners.

«It’s no secret that last year brought a lot of challenges but along with these challenges came plenty of opportunities,» said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus. «Early last year, our stores were deemed essential businesses which allowed them to remain open and continue to meet customer needs at a time when health and safety were a top priority. The stability of our business model quickly became apparent and entrepreneurs across the country took notice.»

Current and new Batteries Plus franchise owners alike have been inspired by the brand’s performance last year and are helping to keep the momentum building in 2021. Focus for the brand has been and will remain on the ability to maintain competitive advantages in order to protect its long-term profits and market share. Batteries Plus has found a niche in its ‘plus’ services – including battery installation and key fob programming – capitalizing on both its knowledge and service offerings.

«Our investments in omni-channel technology have directly benefited our franchisees and increased our competitive advantage,» said Jon Sica, Chief Strategy Officer at Batteries Plus. «In many ways, Batteries Plus is already ahead of the game in strategies other restaurants and retailers are just implementing – this allows us to keep looking ahead to new innovations that make our franchisee’s stronger.»

To keep providing essential products and services to consumers across the country, Batteries Plus has a target of 55 signed agreements through the end of the year. The brand has identified several markets that are ripe for development, including the Southeastern and Northeastern U.S., as well as Texas – outside of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex. Aside from highly dense markets, there are opportunities for multi-unit growth across all territories.

To learn more about Batteries Plus, including information on the franchise opportunity or tour a store virtually, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS:
Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes®’ Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Julianne Stevenson, Fishman Public Relations, jstevenson@fishmanpr.com or 224-558-2510

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SOURCE Batteries Plus

Hispanic Unity Of Florida Continues Its 19-Year Commitment To The Community With Free/No-Cost Tax Preparation Services

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF), a Hollywood-based 39-year-old nonprofit organization serving diverse and multi-cultural working families from the United States and more than 30 other countries, announced that they will continue to provide Free/No-Cost Tax preparation services through virtual/online version of its highly successful Broward Tax Pro/VITA…

HUF continues to partner with Code for America, the national nonprofit that that created the digital platform, Get Your Refund.

For more than 19 years, HUF has partnered with more than three dozen community partners to provide no-cost tax preparation services to thousands of qualified Broward County residents through its volunteer- and partner-driven Broward Tax Pro/(VITA) program. To qualify for the zero-cost program, Broward County families, or individuals, must make less than $66,000 per year. Clients who meet the requirement will have the expertise of a skilled, IRS-certified tax professional to prepare his/her tax return. Additionally, callers will be supported step-by-step through the online process, and assisted with any current, general tax questions in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole.

With the virtual/online program, qualified taxpayers can upload their documents via a secure website by visiting www.VITAtaxesfree.org. After uploading the necessary information, visitors to the site will be contacted within 72 hours by a Broward Tax Pro staff member to complete the tax return and submit it to the IRS for processing. For easier access, the above link is available on two HUF websites: www.Vitataxesfree.org and www.hispanicunity.org

The Tax Hotline (954-678-6882) also will continue to serve as an informational and referral hub to provide support for the virtual/online tax preparation service. Trained and certified tax professionals are available to answer questions regarding stimulus checks and other frequently asked, general tax questions. The Tax Hotline will be open from Monday through Thursday, 10:00am to 1:00pm and 5pm to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, from 10am to 1pm.

«The virtual version of the Broward Tax Pro/VITA program is the same great quality as the previous, in-person program in a virtual format,» said Felipe Pinzon, HUF’s Executive Director. «Clients should feel confident about submitting their tax information through our safe, secure and encrypted website provided in partnership with Code for America.»

About Hispanic Unity of Florida, Inc. (HUF)
Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF) was founded in 1982 by community leaders to guide newcomers to the U.S. on their journey to their American dream and to ease the acculturation process. Today, HUF is Broward County’s largest 501(c) (3) dedicated to the immigrant population. With 12 programs and more than 30 services offered in three languages, this agency serves South Florida’s diverse community. Since its inception, HUF has helped 445,000 individuals.

Contact: Katherin Gallego
954-329-5262 (mobile)
kgallego@hispanicunity.org

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SOURCE Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF)